DENVER - DECEMBER 23: Paul Stastny #26 of the Colorado Avalanche is congratulated for his first period goal against the Phoenix Coyotes by teamate Ryan Smyth #94 during NHL action at the Pepsi Center on December 23, 2008 in Denver, Colorado.

DENVER - MARCH 15: Paul Stastny #26 of the Colorado Avalanche skates prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Pepsi Center on March 15, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The Devils defeated the Avalanche 4-2.

Avalanche center Paul Stastny practiced Monday without an orange “no contact” sweater and, although he won’t play against the visiting Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, he could return to the lineup Friday to begin a six-game road trip against the Washington Capitals.

Colorado coach Tony Granato said Stastny will “have a full practice with us on Thursday and then see where he’s at from there. He’ll be on the trip. … He’s getting close.”

Stastny, who was not available for comment, fractured a forearm Dec. 23 and underwent surgery Dec. 30. The team originally said Stastny would miss 6-8 weeks.

Stastny practiced on a line with wingers Ryan Smyth and T.J. Hensick before focusing on conditioning.

Footnotes.

Defenseman John-Michael Liles and forward Darcy Tucker did not participate in Monday’s practice. Liles, who injured a hand in Sunday’s 6-5 shootout victory at Detroit, will be reevaluated today. Tucker left the team before the weekend to attend to a family illness, and is not expected to play Tuesday. … Andrew Raycroft will make his second consecutive start against the Senators.

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.